Michael Cambridge
The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the very foundation of sports entertainment. WWE SmackDown paid tribute to the legendary superstar on Friday night, dedicating the show to the man who helped catapult wrestling into mainstream culture.
On Thursday morning, medics were called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home. While an official cause of death has yet to be confirmed, TMZ reported the WWE Hall of Famer suffered cardiac arrest. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond.
His wife, Sky Hogan, confirmed his passing with a heartbreaking Instagram post. “I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time,” she wrote, alluding to ongoing health battles Hogan had been quietly fighting. In recent years, Hogan had undergone multiple surgeries, including a neck fusion procedure just weeks before his death. Despite reports of complications, his family insisted he remained strong and was expected to recover.
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown opened with a ten-bell salute in Hogan’s honor. The arena was bathed in red and yellow lights, the iconic colors of Hulkamania and a video package played highlights from his legendary career. From bodyslamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III to his unforgettable catchphrases and energy, the tribute captured the essence of a man who was larger than life.
Current and former WWE Superstars, from John Cena to Charlotte Flair, shared memories on social media, praising Hogan not just for his contributions in the ring but for his mentorship and charisma behind the scenes. WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H wrote, “There will never be another quite like him. Rest easy, brother.”
Hogan’s rise began in the early 1980s, transforming professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. With his 24-inch pythons, signature handlebar mustache, and infectious energy, he became the face of WWE (then WWF). He headlined eight WrestleManias and held the WWE Championship six times. Outside the ring, Hogan starred in movies, TV shows, and became a household name during the golden age of wrestling.
Yet his journey was not without controversy. A leaked sex tape and racially charged comments in 2015 led to his temporary removal from WWE and a sharp fall from grace. He later issued a public apology, seeking forgiveness from fans and colleagues alike. In time, he was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame, a move that reflected both his unmatched impact on the sport and the complicated nature of his legacy.
Hogan’s physical toll from decades in the ring was extensive. By 2024, he had undergone over 25 surgeries, including multiple back, hip, and knee procedures. On Jake Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast in late 2024, he candidly discussed his health, stating: “I’ve had 10 back surgeries, both knees and hips replaced, shoulders and everything.”
Still, he remained active in the public eye. In 2023, he married his third wife, Sky, and made several appearances at political events, including the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. It was there that many fans saw the shirt-ripping, flag-waving Hogan one last time, a reminder of the indomitable spirit that defined him.
Tributes from across the political, entertainment, and wrestling worlds have poured in. Donald Trump Jr. posted a photo with Hogan, writing, “RIP to a legend. HULK HOGAN.”
Singer Lee Greenwood shared his condolences and memories from the RNC, while Vice President JD Vance called Hogan “a great American icon” and reminisced about their last meeting.
Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 24, 2025
The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other.
The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.
Charlotte Flair remembered Hogan as a source of strength when her father, Ric Flair, faced life-threatening health issues years ago. “My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke,” she said, referring to Hogan’s two children.
Sylvester Stallone also shared a touching message, recalling their time together on Rocky III, where Hogan portrayed the towering character “Thunderlips.” “He was absolutely wonderful… My heart breaks,” Stallone wrote on Instagram.
Perhaps no phrase captures Hogan’s impact more than the rallying cry he made famous: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” For fans of a certain generation, Hogan was more than just a wrestler. He was a superhero, a role model, and an entertainer who inspired millions to say their prayers and eat their vitamins.
Even as the years passed and wrestling evolved, Hogan remained a symbol of its golden era. His charisma, presence, and influence extended far beyond the squared circle. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once as an individual and again as a member of the New World Order (nWo), the villainous faction that reinvented his career in WCW during the 1990s.
Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna summed it up best: “Gone, but the legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever.”
Just weeks before his passing, Hogan celebrated Father’s Day with his son Nick, who posted a touching tribute calling his father “the GOAT.” In those moments, surrounded by family, fans saw a glimpse of the man behind the legend.
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